(Customs) Big kids toys - the amazing art pieces you start to find EVERYWHERE…read more One place I like to hold at least partially responsible is found one Sydney Road. Villain stocks many blank toys and all equipment required to make the magic you find here there and everywhere - to get the idea check out customtoylab.com Villain is a cool space to check out. They have all manner of aforementioned toys, as well as tees hoodies and accessories. Filling up cabinets and adorning the walls you'll also discover amazing street art canvasses and art pieces. The likes of Shepard Farley's OBEY series can be found here, along with Mike Giant's work. Both prints and original artworks are for sale, and the people behind the counter are more than will to help you look though. Any tips of painting and using the products will also come from them.

Villain is one of my favourite stores around Brunswick and it always amazes me how much time I can…read morespend in somewhere as small as this. Before you even step inside, take a look in the window. It's jam packed with art toys, prints, clothing and assorted bits and pieces. Inside, every possible space is filled with much of the same. I'm a toy collector, so I usually check these out first. There is a lot of Kidrobot product here, from blind boxed figures and plush to customizable blank figures and lots of limited edition stuff. There are plenty if other ranges here too, like Pop Vinyl and some more harder to find pieces, and the staff are always more than happy to help you out. They'll usually do discounts in bulk purchases of full boxes of toys too! Aside from the toys, there is a lot of (street) art supplies like paints and markers, which are also great for pretty-ing up those blank figures! There's a small section of fairly expensive clothing here and some really fun homewares pieces. A lot if these pieces are limited editions, such as tea sets, money boxes and cushions, so don't expect to be spending your spare change on them! The only downside to the store is it's size. With a few people in here it can get crowded, especially with so much stock around, but that's really nothing major. There is another Villain store at QV in the city, that is a little more spacious and sometimes has different stock in it, but are always happy to help you get your hands on what you're looking for.

For me, this is the Dejour Jeans but for shoes. You can get your shoes resoled here for next to…read morenothing (like $20) or a beautiful pair of handmade shoes/boots for around $100. I just had some shoes died and it was only $25! The owner Mourinho (sorry if that's not how to spell your name) is super helpful and very friendly. You get the vibe that this place still has that old world customer service that died along time ago in retail. We've been here four or five times now and it's been perfect every time. Highly recommend!

If you ever wondered what a visual representation of a cacophony of shoes would look like, then…read moreShoes Direct Factory Outlet in Brunswick will probably give you a clue. Shoes. Shoes everywhere. Not unkempt, mind, just numerous. The front section of the store features the latest stock in all styles from boots through to sandals, work shoes and sneakers, ballet slippers through to high heels and wedges right through to all of the above in children's sizes (though with notably fewer high heels in the kiddie section). The stock reflects the fashion trends amongst the various staple designs that pop up every row or so. Out the back are the heavily discounted odds and ends leftover from other seasons and trends, or were simply relegated there when the more common sizes sold out. This section is an unmoving parade of bargains for people with the right foot size, with all of it down to the last couple of pairs, so it's a generally hit and miss affair. The shoes are all from different brands and designers, largely from within your standard cheap to mid-range venture, so unless you're very gentle with your footwear you needn't expect your purchases to last long term. Prices start at $5 in the back room right through to standard mid quality boot prices. Highly convenient, if a tad overwhelming, from sheer force of its size.

Got a pair of Dunlop Volley safety shoes here the other day. I'm reviewing it because I tried to…read moresearch online for somewhere that stocked them, and had no luck, so for the next person who does the same: this shop has a good stuck of Dunlop Volley Safety (i.e. steel capped) sneakers, as well as other Dunlop styles, in a full range of sizes.

The day I found Sprinkle was one of true elation. Sure, I'm not exactly one to have a lot of spare…read moredosh lying around, but when it comes to truly beautifully crafted clothing it's always worth it to save out and splash out on the one that truly steals your fancy. Once you've bought one Sprinkle creation it's hard to stifle the addiction. All the clothes are locally designed by Sprinkle herself and locally manufactured, where she can keep a watchful eye on the quality, being a renowned fusspot when it comes to her precious apparel. And they are indeed precious. The emphasis is on curves and femininity, with all the clothes knowing what to skim and what to highlight. Double breasted winter coats that make you feel like a movie star from the 1950s, brightly coloured wrap dresses and tailored pencil skirts are a few of her more notable design staples, but the collections are all unique to that season. The fabrics are all high quality, and there's always splashes of bright colour and texture in each collection. All the designs are made on a very limited run, and for some there's only one garment made in each size. Each season/collection has its' own unique theme and influence, eg. classical Japanese during this last winter, and 1950s cocktail hour for the summer of 2011/2012. The staff are all enthusiastic, professional and well informed about the designs, and will never try and sell you something that you don't feel comfortable in or that isn't quite you. The prices are exactly what you'd expect for locally designed and produced clothing, so it's certainly not accessible to absolutely everyone, but if you can afford it or can afford to get saving, the clothes are definitely worth it.

Tucked away from the bustle of Sydney road is the no car traffic street of Sparta. A little oasis…read moreof small unique stores, cafe, and artists hangout. The design store sits here, and sells a range of handmade kids clothes, blankets and other crafts. They also stock amazing Marimekko collection and small collections from independent jewellers, cards, and other things. It's a lovely little shop that you will surprisingly spend Way too much time in.

If, like me, you like op shops and secondhand clothing stores, you'll probably come back to…read moreScavengers over and over again even though it's really not so great. I'm forever hopeful for an incredible bargain...maybe today will be the day I find something good in here... Alas, I have never actually ever purchased anything from Scavengers. I'm always left slightly deflated after browsing here, mostly because I've made the effort to trawl through their stock, and if there has been anything even remotely good, it's usually more expensive than it should be. The shop gives me an icky feeling. I can't explain why, it just does. Maybe it sort of reminds me of my student days, which is not a good thing. There's much better secondhand goods shopping to be had along Sydney Road. Much better.

One of the most appropriately named second hand shops around, Scavengers sits closer in category to…read moreyour basic op-shop than to high end retro/vintage shops. Like an op-shop, a lot of the stuff errs on the side of junk. Still, there's the odd gem amongst the piles of somewhat average chain store hand-me-downs that weigh down the racks. So far, it's mostly been good for finding the occasional handmade dresses and skirts that are always first to get pilfered from actual op-shops. There are also a lot of books, old tapes, records, CDs, DVDs, sunglasses and other knick knacks about the place and in the street out front, though generally nothing particularly rare or exciting. I did once manage to find a really great textile wall hanging amid the 'bargain' boxes. There's only one dressing room, and it's a bit cramped and unkempt, but I guess it does the job. The staff are always friendly and down to earth, and you'll never feel the pressure of a hard sell. On the whole, Scavengers is more one of those places that you drop into when you're making your way down the op-shop circuit of Sydney Rd than something you'd centre a special trip around.

Condello's is a good example of old fashioned cobblers and key cutters that have managed, unlike so…read moremany other shoe repairers, to keep the business fresh and sparkly looking. Everything you'd expect of this kind of business is on display in the window or under the counter, and all your basic shoe repair and key cutting services are offered. Their ability to roll with the times is probably best exemplified by their venture into the digital era, with security car key cutting and computer engraving on offer. They also stock decent bootlaces to accommodate even the laciest of boots. Convenient and friendly: Condello's, for all modern world shoe repairing needs!

I'm thinking that I should buy a car and drive everywhere because the money I have spent on…read morereheeling shoes from all the walking around that I do, well, it's quite a lot, and it all goes to Condello's in Barkly Square. Luckily, they always do a good and fast job of it. It costs about $20 each time but I believe that's the going rate in Melbourne (if anyone knows otherwise, please let me know). They're rather no nonsense at this joint - its polite service but without a smile, but that's no bad thing. Condello's also sell shoe polish and other things that shoes need, they fix watches and they cut keys. They don't call it Condello's Complete Services for nothing, you know.

Much, much more than just ok, OK OK are a boutique fashion store catering to the laid-back but…read morestyle-conscious urban dresser with a social conscience. Halfway down a gorgeous, little walkway that always makes me feel like I'm on holiday when I walk along it, OK OK stands out in all its pure whiteness. You might also be drawn in by a rack of clothes placed just outside the store, very enticing indeed. The OK OK look is relaxed, sportswear-inspired pieces teamed with a basics range, all made Melbourne, and mixed with international design-directed pieces. Strictly speaking, boys' stuff is upstairs and girls' stuff downstairs, but the styles are deliberately unisex so its worth checking out the whole shop.

OK OK is an Melbourne based fashion label founded in 2007, with the aim to create Australian-made…read morebasics. The retail space is the extension of le internets and web store. The old wives tale about the label is that the stockings and hosiery is made in Brunswick close by, from what also runs as a compression bandage factory! Absolute madness aside, every attempt is made to keep the goods' origin south of the equator. The space itself is a two floor masterpiece. found in the quaint pedestrian lane named Sparta, the shop appears rather quietly in black and white. When you open the door the first thing you notice is the shallow nature of it. You can see the back wall easily, and your eyes are drawn to the staircase off to one side. Upstairs the le mens, downstairs is le womens. Many of the fits are unisex, so don't feel precious about checking out the whole store. The quality of goods is amazing - tops and bottoms aplenty with accessories and shoes in the mix as well. Those found behind the counter are delightfully helpful in talking about the pieces and helping chose (and helping you walk away with less money than you began with), and if the conversation lasts long enough will offer some insight into the nightlife of Brunswick and Melbourne. They're so nice they helped us book accommodation with a friend of theirs in Tasmania! Best shoe shopping trip EVER!

Currently Closed!!!. I went past Monday July 17 2022 There was no roof it was covered in graffiti…read moreand boarded up. Was an Awesome place to shop when opened. The footscray Savers is still operating but prices are pretty high in Footscray the last time I shopped there.

Set aside at least three hours, and come unburdened by handbags, umbrellas, children, anything…read morethat's going to need your hands and/or attention. Don't even bring your wallet, just stick a $20 note in your pocket because that's probably all you'll need to buy the load of clothes and bric-a-brac you're inevitably going to find. This store is enormous and it's full of crap. I'm not being mean, I'm sure they'll tell you the same. The fact is, if you have the eyes and the patience to spot the diamond in the rough, and you don't mind trawling through racks and racks of rough stuff, you'll get your bling, and you'll proudly tell people that it only cost you a fiver...even less possibly, 20% less if you're a student and you buy it on a Sunday, or a senior and buy it on a Monday. Savers provides little red baskets on wheels for you to drag your loot around in until your arms and shoulders are shaking with exhaustion and excitement, and you know there's nothing left to do but to queue for ages (sometimes) for a change room to make sure that flowery, mid-80s, Sussans shirt goes with the long, Indian skirt you found in the Long Indian Skirts aisle. This goes with that, you know the jingle.

I live in a "little old lady" style house with bright green tiles, wispy white curtains and a…read moredoorbell loud enough to make your hair curly. I love the retro look and feel and so naturally a great proportion of my furniture could be filed under the "little old lady" category. Hence my frequent visits to the Lost and Found Market. Here you will find everything from 1950s mirrors to big, boofy prom dresses to Ken Done place mats and coasters. The Lost and Found Market has everything. I go at least once a month to see what is new (they have rotating stalls) even when I am not looking for anything specific. While I admire their furniture the most (think stunning 70s Danish furniture) it is not something I believe I will ever be able to afford *sobs* but damn is it nice to look at. While they do have an extensive clothing section, I personally believe the Lost and Found Market excels more in the bric-a-brac and glassware areas. If you're looking to pimp your home bar, this is the place to be. They are only open on Saturdays and Sundays but the huge warehouse style means there's always something to find. You could honestly spend a good hour in here.

I like to think that this gigantic vintage store was named after the Elliott Smith song of - almost…read more- the same name. But without the subtext of misery and unrequited love. There is nothing miserable about this bona fide Brunswick vintage Mecca. For Lost & Found Market is one of the most lovable vintage stores in Melbourne, stocking an incredible range of vintage clothes, shoes, accessories, furniture, lighting and art from a characterful shop on Brunswick East's Lygon Street. I've only just discovered Lost & Found Market but it is already my favourite Melbourne vintage shop. And with good reason. Firstly, prices. I don't want to say this for fear of tempting fate - or price increases - but Lost & Found is literally bargainous. Secondly, selection. I've noticed a worrying trend for Melbourne's vintage shops to only really stock clothes from the disco and power suit eras to the detriment of the wardrobes of us Art Deco, fifties and sixties loving gals. Not Lost & Found. I walked away from Lost & Found Market with a ditty little sixties lace cocktail dress for a mere $55 and will no doubt return soon to look for more treasure. In the words of Elliott Smith 'I'm in love'.